Marc Hirschi makes his long-awaited debut for the Emirates team in the Volta a Catalunya on Monday. The race runs March 22-28 and has a star field that includes Chris Froome (Israel Start-Up Nation), Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers).
The 22-year-old has not raced since his shock from Team DSM at the start of the year. He was meant to race on the UAE tour in February, but spent almost three months of the year on the sidelines.
His last race took place last year in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he was second behind Primož Roglič of Jumbo-Visma, but overall 2020 was a big breakout season for the driver from Switzerland. He won a stage in the Tour de France during his debut, followed by third place in the world championships in Italy and a victory in La Flèche Wallonne.
Hirschi was part of the Team DSM offer at the start of the year, but his contract is being terminated by the team. They were unwilling to give the exact reasons for the sudden decision, and only said they ended the relationship a year before the rider’s contract would expire. It was rumored that the team was unhappy with the aspects surrounding the athlete, but this was never confirmed and Hirschi did not want to explain why he left.
“Team DSM has reached a settlement agreement with their rider Marc Hirschi to terminate their current service before the original expiration date of December 31, 2021. It has been agreed that the agreement will be terminated immediately and that no further comment will be made,” read the DSM statement.
The speculation determined where Hirschi would wash out, but the Emirates team only announced its signing four days later with the rider joining a team that already included Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar, Alexander Kristoff and Davide Formolo has.
The Volta a Catalunya will be Hirschi’s first race for the team, and he is also expected to race with Pais Vasco and thereafter a full calendar of Ardennes Classics.
“I think it’s a very exciting team that brings us together,” said team manager Matxin Fernandez in connection with the team for Catalunya.
‘After the great success of Pogačar in Tirreno-Adriatico last week, the team is just as motivated to always do a good race in Catalunya. We have a great quality in the group with a mix of young talents along with more experienced guys.
‘With the depth of riders we have here, we will aim for the GC, but we will also face challenges for victories at every possible stage. This is the first time we see Marc Hirschi racing in the UAE colors. We hope he can accomplish great things with us. With his class and talent, it ensures the team. ”
UAE Team Emirates for the Volta a Catalunya: Camilo Ardila, David De La Cruz, Joe Dombrowski, Rui Costa, Marc Hirschi, Brandon McNulty and Sebastian Molano.